TDC Dispatch: Your fortnightly dose of creativity from TDC

TYPE01 Magazine Unleashes the Power of Typography in Its Groundbreaking Sixth Edition: The Experimental Type Issue

– Written by Katie McIlvenny

TYPE01, a creative agency which celebrates the art of typography, has released the sixth edition of its own magazine. The issue is titled The Experimental Type Issue and explores all the weird and wonderful ways type can be played with to create obscure and beautiful meaning. 

For me, typography is something so cool. The fact you can make bespoke typography that adds a whole new layer and dimension to your brand is exciting. Entire brand messaging, USPs, purpose and a mound of other factors can be deduced from typeface design. And in a world of brands and services all fighting for attention, typography is a great way to get people to relate and engage with what you’re talking about. 

Describing the issue as honouring typography that holds no bounds, celebrating the way type adds to a designer toolbox of techniques: “Type has always to some degree been an important tool in any designers toolbox, however, these ‘type tools’ have expanded and multiplied dramatically, allowing its owner to express tones, feelings, cultures, creativity, and limitless possibilities all of which they can bend and mould to their will.

The features we’ve crafted for this issue identify exactly what some of these ’type tools’ can be and the influences that are making significant impacts on the experimental type outputs of the industry.

To get your hands on a copy, head to the agency’s Instagram page.

Chinese landscape drawings inspire OPEN Architecture’s latest project

– Written by Anna van Oosterom

This week, Beijing and NYC based studio Open Architecture announced the completion of their latest project, Shanfeng Academy, in a new district of Suzhou, China. The academy serves as a Cultural and Sports Center for Mountain Kingston Bilingual School as well as a cultural hub for the local community. 

Within the confines of a relatively small piece of land, the architects maximised space to accommodate a dense user population of nearly 2000 students across a wide range of activities. This was achieved by splitting the building into five individual structures, all connected by flat-roofed walkways.

What’s fascinating about the building is its influence by Chinese landscape drawings, whose characteristic, intertwined flow of space is echoed in the interconnected structures and ‘voids’ incorporated into the academy’s architecture. The open walkways and gardens assimilated into these carved spaces provide areas for relaxation and a closer connection with the outdoors, and several water overflow features have also been incorporated to accommodate the area’s long rainy seasons. Air and light permeate the building, drastically reducing its energy consumption, while the board-formed white concrete chosen for the building’s envelope serves as a low maintenance alternative to traditional plaster and blends with the Suzhou district’s existing architecture. 

The academy’s carefully designed, interlocked structure forms a rich, layered and sensory spatial experience – perfectly suited to its surroundings.

Revolutionising the Creative Landscape: The Impact of AI on Art and Design

– Written by Aimee Jordan

The use of AI in art and design has revolutionised the creative landscape, offering new possibilities and pushing the boundaries of human imagination. AI algorithms have demonstrated their ability to generate original artwork, assist in the design process, and even collaborate with human artists.

In the field of design, AI has proven to be an invaluable tool. Designers can utilise AI algorithms to automate repetitive tasks, such as creating layouts, selecting colour palettes, or generating typography. This automation saves time and allows designers to focus on more complex and creative aspects of their work. AI can also analyse user data and preferences to provide personalised design recommendations, enhancing the user experience.

AI has facilitated collaboration between humans and machines in art and design. Artists and designers can use AI-powered tools to explore new ideas, experiment with different styles, and expand their creative potential. AI algorithms can suggest alternative design options or generate variations based on the artist’s input, leading to innovative outcomes that might not have been possible otherwise.

However, the use of AI in art and design raises important questions and challenges. Critics argue that AI-generated art lacks the depth, emotional connection, and intentionality of human-created works. There are concerns about originality, authorship, and the potential for AI to replicate existing styles without contributing genuinely new perspectives.

The use of AI in art and design has undeniably brought forth exciting possibilities, transforming the creative process and challenging traditional notions of authorship and creativity. While it has its benefits and challenges, the integration of AI with human ingenuity has the potential to shape a vibrant and innovative future for art and design.